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M. SPAAK, BELGIAN DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, ARRIVED IN NEW YORK YESTERDAY (SUNDAY) FOR TALKS WITH U THANT, THE UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL, OVER THE SITUATION IN THE CONGO -- BELGIUM'S FORMER COLONY IN CENTRAL AFRICA.

THE DISCUSSIONS ARE EXPECTED TO BE MAINLY ON KATANGA -- THE RICH MINING PROVINCE WHICH HAS BROKEN FROM THE AUTHORITY OF THE CENTRAL CONGO GOVERNMENT.

M. SPAAK'S VISIT TO NEW YORK APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN MADE WITH SOME URGENCY AND M. SPAAK WAS ACCOMPANIED BY M. ROTHSCHILD, A DIPLOMAT SPECIALISING IN KATANGA AFFAIRS. IN THE SAME AIRCRAFT WAS M. ROBILLARD, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE UNION MINLERE, THE MINING COMPANY WHICH HAS VERY EXTENSIVE INTERESTS IN KATANGA.

IT HAS BEEN REPORTED UNOFFICIALLY FROM BRUSSELS THAT THE BELGIAN GOVERNMENT FAVOURS AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN KATANGA AND THE CONGO CENTRAL GOVERNMENT, BUT REMAINS OPPOSED TO MILITARY AND ECONOMIC SANCTIONS.